Photos by Kimberly MarselasIron Chef Courtney Rittenour, left, and assistant Hannah Greiner hoist the first place trophy. Rittenour won for her All-American “lobsteer” burger served on a soft pretzel.

The chefs had 40 minutes to prepare a dish incorporating fresh lobster, Wisconsin cheddar cheese, avocado, and soft pretzels. Rittenour, assisted by Hannah Greiner, won by a single point, her All-American “lobsteer” burger a tie-in to the event’s patriotic theme.

The cook-off and fundraiser also featured samples from local restaurants, silent and live auctions, and a flag presentation by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard.

First graders Katelyn Brunick and Ben Freed joined their classmates in the singing of the National Anthem, but both said the ice cream samples from Turkey Hill were the highlight of their day. Ben tried a taco from General Sutter, its wonton-styled shell and onions a stretch for his young palate.

Katelyn was a fan of the bourbon-apple bratwurst served by The Village Haus. The dish later took first place in the people’s choice competition. Katelyn said her favorite cooking show is “The Chew,” and she was excited to watch part of the competition with mom Sherry and dad Jason.

The mystery ingredient for this year’s cooking competition was lobster, selected by the district’s food services director, Chris Dunn.

“That has to stand out the most,” explained host John Moeller, former White House chef and owner of State of Affairs Catering. “Whatever you do with it, it can’t be overshadowed by the other ingredients.”

Chef Dave Kowalchik of Dave’s Diner prepares heavy cream for his mashed potatoes. His take was lobster in butter, cream and avocado, layered on a bed of potatoes.

The chefs worked under pressure, Moeller and co-host Tom Gillin from Blue Ridge 11 counting down the minutes and asking them to explain their approaches along the way. The hosts also offered tips, whether explaining why Harants threw his red peppers directly onto a gas flame (to roast it quickly) or why heavy cream is a better choice than milk for sauces (it stands up better to heat).

Ephrata’s Jim Huber bid $100 to watch the contest as a member of the judge’s panel. He is a fleet manager of a limo company who also loves cooking shows. He was amazed at the chefs’ creativity.

“These guys are crazy,” he joked. “Forty minutes to do this kind of meal? Good luck!”

Huber joined Mitch Arment from Giorgio Foods, Louis Chabot of the Ephrata American Legion Post, and Patricia Dean from Fiorentino’s in awarding Rittenour a narrow victory. Gill told the crowd only two points separated first place from third.

While the judges deliberated, it became clear that Rittenour’s dish was the crowd favorite. Bidding on each of her entrees hit $80. Audience members were also able to bid on leftover produce and other ingredients used to stock the contestants’ kitchen.

Auctioneer Brad Wolf also oversaw lively bidding on everything from golf foursomes to camping trips to signed memorabilia. Fourth grader Landis Kimbel and his dad, Scott, combed the silent auction tables for good finds. Scott Kimble said he also had an eye on an antique cedar chest, which eventually went for $90 during live bidding.

Tony Prochu of Berks County made daughter Kirsten’s day with a surprise bid on a signed photo of the New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski.

The highlight of the auction was the sale of a signed photo featuring New England Patriot Rob Gronkowski. Tony Prochu, attending with several members of the Dunn family, decided spur of the moment to bid on the picture for his daughter, Kirsten. She whooped with delight and nearly tackled Prochu when she saw him put his blue bidding sheet in the air.

“My sister and I are really, really big Pats fans,” said Kirsten, a senior at Conrad Weiser High School in Berks County.

All of the proceeds from the auctions and ticket sales support the foundation, which provides grants, equipment, and programming not covered by the district’s budget.

“It goes back into programs like this,” said volunteer Charlotte Brady, manning the Books to Grow On table. She handed out books to about 50 families, and more will be mailed this spring to each child ages one to five in the Cocalico community. “It all kicks back to the kids.”

The unofficial total raised topped $19,000 as of Monday morning, according to organizer and Denver Elementary School Principal Angela Marley. The number of tickets sold had not been finalized, so the total could climb.